The agitated protesters set motorcycles ablaze in the troubled Kheroni area, West Karbi Anglong on Tuesday afternoon
Situation in West Karbi Anglong district of Assam, has once again turned violent on Tuesday, as agitated protesters set two-wheelers ablaze in the troubled Kheroni area shattering the uneasy calm that was there for few hours since yesterday’s violence and arson.
The situation quickly escalated today, with protesters setting fire to vehicles, adding fuel to the already volatile atmosphere. Authorities are on high alert, as tensions remain high and the region braces for further disturbances.
Assam’s cabinet minister Ranoj Pegu, along with Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tiwari have been camping in Kheroni since yesterday and met the protestors too.
Speaking to reporters, Pegu explained that the ongoing unrest stems from the issues surrounding the encroachment of Professional Grazing Reserve and Village Grazing Reserve (PGR-VGR) lands. He mentioned that the locals had already filed a petition in the Gauhati High Court regarding the matter. The protestors want their tribal land vacated from the clutches of the non-tribals.
The minister further revealed that the locals had hoped to meet with Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) chief, Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, the previous day, but due to the tense situation, no discussions could take place. It needs to be mentioned that the protestors had set the Tuliram Ronghang’s ancestral house on fire yesterday.
Pegu assured that the issue would be resolved through formal talks involving the government, protesters, and the encroachers.
The protesters have been long demanding the removal of illegal settlements from PGR and VGR lands, as the Gauhati High Court put on hold eviction notices by KAAC in February 2024.
Also Read : Assam: Violence breaks out in West Karbi Anglong, 3 protesters injured in police firing
